ACCESSING HOME BackonTrack Eviction Prevention Training Introductions Laura
ACCESSING HOME Back-on-Track Eviction Prevention Training
Introductions Laura Roach, Accessing Home Program Manager � lroach@neighborworksbrv. org � 401 -257 -6236 � Previously served as an Ameri. Corps VISTA at Neighbor. Works Blackstone River Valley and focused specifically on eviction prevention
Eviction Prevention Overview and Evidence
Mission Provide quality affordable housing Link residents with services that can stabilize their housing Move residents beyond poverty where possible Improve financial bottom line
Evidence
Overview of Eviction Prevention Practices
Your Role As an AMC/BSW
What are some reasons people may be evicted? What are the consequences of eviction?
The Process – Property Management Delinquency Policies & Procedures
The Process – Resident Services
The Process – Resident Services, cont. Resident contacts RSC; the following actions may be taken � Offer referral services over the phone (see phone script) � Set up an in-person meeting; sign confidentiality notice and conduct resident intake (see intake form) � Have the resident fill out a household budget (see budget) � Refer the resident to relevant services (remember: asset mapping) � Write up a payment plan (see payment plan) � Enter resident information in Family Metrics
Phone Script
Resident Intake
Screen Residents for Support Programs
Payment Plan
Motivational Interviewing Approaching Behavior Change Adapted from a presentation by Prantik Saha, MD, MPH, Columbia University
How do we establish a habit? There are pros and cons to every behavior We engage in a particular behavior based on an assessment of these pros and cons Ambivalence is the unresolved conflict between the pros and cons, and leads to continues engagement of the behavior Persistent ambivalence is the principal impediment to change
Transtheoretical Model of Change Prochaska & Di Clemente: Transtheoret ical Model of Behavior Change
Stages Involved in Behavior Change 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Identifying the behavior Identifying a problem Desiring a Change Feeling confident about a change Doing it!
Motivational Interviewing – Background First described in the 1980’s by William Miller and Stephen Rollnick, two psychologists who had experience in treating alcoholism Spirit or philosophy of MI and behavior change considered most important; techniques follow accordingly.
Goal of Motivational Interviewing Finding out which stage the client is at, and addressing the concerns specific to their stage Have the client articulate their “pros” and “cons” so they can better process and ultimately resolve the conflict between them. Empathizing and empowering the client to take steps towards change by affirming their strengths as well as the centrality of their initiative in lasting change
MI and evidence Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have shown some beneficial effect of MI interviewing techniques compared to traditional advice giving in various contexts outside of the addictions, such as with diet, exercise and adherence to medications. Some reviews have even shown statistically significant change in direct measures such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and body mass index (Rubal, Sandbaek, et al. Motivational Interviewing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. British Journal of General Practice 2005; 55: 305 -312).
Case Presentation Emily is referred to you by the property management company for falling behind on rent. While you are discussing payment plan options with her you find out she just moved into the apartment 1 month ago and it is her first apartment; she is 20 and she previously lived with her parents. She promises to start paying the rent on time.
What stage is the client at?
You get more information She has been spending a lot of extra cash to furnish her new apartment; she has purchased some new furniture from IKEA and she is considering going to a rent-to-own furniture store for a living room set It is really important to her that her home is comfortable so she can have friends over She believes once she has furnished the apartment she will be able to catch up on rent because she will have fewer expenses
Use of Scales A common way of assessing as well as cultivating confidence or importance is the use of scales. Scales can help clients/patients to verbalize and process their ambivalence further. In this case, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how important do you think it is for you pay rent on time every month? ” (Patient says 10 out of 10) “On a scale of 1 to 10, how important do you think it is for you to furnish your apartment? ” (Patient says 7 out of 10)
So, what do we do now? Reflecting and empathizing with the “pros” and “cons” “It seems that making your apartment beautiful and comfortable is important to you, but you also know it’s really important to pay rent on time. ” “It’s great that you’ve been able to make your home a great place for your friends to hang out. ” “Roll” with resistance “Yes, it’s important to have a comfortable home. ” Emphasize the significance of this patient’s level “Why did you rate furnishing your apartment lower than paying rent on time? ”
Well, what if we got this info? Emily has been stressed about moving into the new apartment; she has never had to keep track of so many expenses She is afraid she will be evicted but communicating with the property management is intimidating
Use of Scales A common way of assessing as well as cultivating confidence or importance is the use of scales. Scales can help clients/patients to verbalize and process their ambivalence further. In this case, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how important do you think it is for you pay rent on time every month? ” (client says 10 out of 10) “On a scale of 1 to 10, how confident are you that you can take control of your expenditures? ” (client says 3 out of 10)
So, now what do we do? • • • Affirmations: recognizing client strengths and counter any defeatist attitude “Why did you give yourself a 3 instead of a 2? ” “Moving into a new apartment is really intimidating. It’s impressive that you’re living on your own at such a young age. ” Reflecting the pros and cons “So, you are living independently in a new place, but you also are struggling to track your bills. ” Look for client driven strengths “What would make you go up to a 6 or 7? ”
Resistance In motivational interviewing philosophy, resistance is elicited when we try to push clients farther than they are ready to go. Resistance also occurs when clients have not been given sufficient opportunity to direct their actions and have simply been given instructions from their providers.
How to tackle resistance Empathizing with the client “Moving into a new place is really difficult. I understand why you would be nervous speaking with the property management company. EMPOWER the client “You know, it’s up to you what you would like to do with your spending; you worked hard for you money and you deserve to spend it how your see fit. ” “It is important to know your own priorities. You know your own needs better than anyone. ”
Try using a decisional matrix Status Quo (i. e. spending cash as expenses arise, including large expenses) Pros Cons Change (i. e. tracking and planning monthly expenses)
Try using a decisional matrix Status Quo (i. e. spending cash as expenses arise, including large expenses) Change (i. e. tracking and planning monthly expenses) Pros Having a fully furnished apartment; feel comfortable entertaining guests Confident in ability to afford rent and utilities Cons Overdraft fees, late notices and fees Time-consuming
So what about our habits? Break out into pairs One person will describe a habit or behavior that they, a family member, or friend have struggled with The other person will assess what stage his/her partner is at as well as their “pros” and “cons” Use the Scales and the Decisional Matrix Reverse roles!
Some final thoughts on MI It is a client-centered philosophy A non-judgmental tone and attitude helps clients be more open about their “pros” and “cons” Focus on the stage the client is at – e. g. , don’t address confidence issues if the client is not yet interested in changing their behavior We should dismantle the assumption that we have failed if clients don’t make decisions toward change at each visit
Case Study Do resident intake Come up with an action plan Consider SMART goals
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